THE THREE (3) YEARS JOTNA SAGA NECCESARY OR NOT?

Historically, coalition governments all over the world exist for a purpose, namely, to clinch to political power. One will surely agree with me that they come into existence when either there is a common enemy to dethrone or that each of the parties lack the capacity or the majority in parliament in order to form a government on its own. The Gambia falls into the former situation while Israel, under Netanyahu, is a typical example of the latter.

Precedence has shown that African coalition governments usually fall apart after a short period of time. For instance, after the 2007 Kenya presidential election crisis which took many lives, a coalition government was formed between former President Mwai Kibaki and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga (April, 2008-April, 2013). Similarly, in order to quell political tensions in Zimbabwe, the Zanu-PF party under late Robert Mugabe had a power-sharing agreement with Morgan Tsvangirai’s opposition party, MDC, in 2008.

The question which baffles many minds is that, while other countries have run successfully with coalition or unity governments for decades, the reverse is the case in some parts of Africa. Could this be a result of unhygienic internal politics or that there are some external forces and manipulations? The 2016 unity government of The Gambia came into existence in order to fight a common enemy, former military leader, Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh. After having won elections, the coalition government is falling apart! Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart; the centre cannot hold” aptly describes the present situation in The Gambia.

Surely, some answers need to be sought when a particular political party within the coalition government begins to demand the lion’s share because they believe they form the majority. What were the terms of agreement which put the unity government into existence ab initio? Three years down the line, have these terms been followed logically and religiously? Are the rules of engagement being bent? In the right sense of the word, coalition means “coming together.” So, if the ‘coming-together’ is fraught with problems and the right channel is not explored to solve it amicably, then the ship will start to sink! The corollary is retrogression, a simple recipe for underdevelopment in the entire country! In the end, it is the citizens who will suffer. We have to ask ourselves sincerely: Is this what we voted for? Is this what we want for ourselves and the next generation? Are we intending to shoot ourselves in the leg?

Indeed, taking a critical look at The Gambian situation, we must admit, first of all, that in 2016, it was agreed that there will be a transitional government of three (3) years. It is said that the wisdom and sincerity of a person could be ascertained when they uphold the words they speak and keep the promise they make! The government of the day owes allegiance to the citizens, and everyone as well, must uphold the constitution, the supreme law of the land, which is binding on all. The Gambia, with its infant democracy must know that she is a developing country. Therefore, building the nation as a whole should be our agenda, our topmost priority and duty, rather than creating tensions which head in only one direction: doom!

It is pleasant that democracy has provided us with the breathing space to hold our leaders accountable. Nonetheless, we are equally responsible in the use of our freedoms. We are collectively responsible for our country. As one of the tenets of democracy, protests, must follow due process, the rule of law. It must not break the law, and cause mayhem and instability. We must not subscribe to illegality, taking the law into our own hands. As such, we as Africans, must not forget to uphold our time-tested social and ethical values which foster peace and unity.

We must remember that no single individual is or will ever be greater than the general good of a nation. Let’s build The Gambia for ourselves and our generations. Furthermore, constructive criticisms must be tolerated as we seek better solutions to our problems. Challenges are bound to happen in any process of change. If we tackle them wisely and judicially with the idea of the common good at the back of our minds, the transformation we seek would be awesome and great. Let us give peace and unity a chance in the Smiling Coast of Africa! We have gone a very long way to reach where we are. Taking few moments to destroy what we have achieved together is a load no one will be able to bear now or later!